1 Peter 5:7 – Casting Our Anxieties on God
How do we live as pilgrim sufferers in this world when anxieties arise in our hearts?
Peter in 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast our anxieties upon God.
The Reality of Anxiety
Brothers and sisters, have you ever faced something and thought, I don’t know how I’m going to get through this? Perhaps you’ve received life-changing news from a doctor, lost a spouse, or faced a temptation so heavy you wondered if you could resist.
Maybe you’ve felt overwhelmed by the pressure to compromise your faith—whether at work, among friends, or even within your family. Perhaps you’ve battled the devil’s relentless suggestions in your mind, or worried about your next meal or paying your bills after losing a job.
These are real struggles, and as Christians, anxieties will arise. Worries can stack up, robbing us of sleep and making it difficult to function. If left unchecked, even the strongest among us can be overtaken. Constantly dwelling on these troubles can lead to despair, even a mental breakdown.
But Peter reminds us: as Christians, we have somewhere to go.
The Call to Cast Our Anxieties
When anxieties weigh us down, we are not alone. We don’t have to bear these burdens on our own. Instead, we are called to take them to our mighty God. He is our all-sufficient, sovereign Lord, the only one who can free us from the anxieties that hinder our faithful walk before Him.
Peter commands us to cast all our anxieties on Him. But does “all” mean literally everything? No, it doesn’t. For example, if we sin—say, by robbing a bank—and feel anxious about being caught, we shouldn’t cast that worry upon God. That’s not the kind of anxiety Peter is referring to.
The anxieties we are to cast on God are those that arise from living the obedient, pilgrim-suffering life. These are the worries that come as we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6) and submit to His will, even in affliction.
Why We Must Cast Our Anxieties
Peter urges us to cast our anxieties on God because holding on to them hinders our service to Him. Anxiety and worry keep us from fully trusting and obeying God.
God calls us to let go of these burdens and trust Him. Why? Because He is near. He knows our struggles, and He cares for us. He controls all things and sustains us through every trial.
Remember, there is nothing impossible with God. As King Nebuchadnezzar declared in Daniel 4:35,
“He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?'”
What It Means to Cast
The word “casting” implies action. It means to throw off or transfer a heavy load to someone else. This figurative language paints a vivid picture: when the burden of anxiety feels too heavy for us, God says, Give it to Me. I can bear it.
Casting our cares requires effort and humility. Holding on to anxiety, even unintentionally, reveals pride—it says, I can handle this on my own. Humility, on the other hand, acknowledges our weakness and God’s strength. It says, Lord, only You can handle this. I lay it before Your feet.
Practical Steps for Casting Anxieties
How do we cast our anxieties on God?
- Turn to God’s Word
Immerse yourself in Scripture. Meditate on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely (Philippians 4:8). Too often, we dwell on the sources of our anxiety. Instead, shift your focus to God’s promises and His character. - Pray for Guidance
Seek the Holy Spirit’s help. Ask Him to guide you, strengthen you, and lead you in paths of righteousness. - Give Your Burdens to God
Consciously surrender your worries to Him, trusting that He will act in His perfect time and way.
The Pointlessness of Anxiety
Ultimately, anxiety is pointless because it achieves nothing. Circumstances and outcomes are in God’s hands. Our role is to believe, obey, and trust.
As Peter reminds us, the greatest motivation for casting our cares on God is this: He cares for us.
The Evidence of God’s Care
How do we know God cares for us? The cross is the ultimate proof. God saved us when we were dead in sin. He caused us to be born again to a living hope, protects us by faith, and promises us an eternal inheritance.
He predestined us as His children, sent His Son to die for us, and walks with us through every valley, including the shadow of death. He will never abandon us because He has committed Himself to us through Christ.
Conclusion: The Humble Road of Trust
As pilgrim sufferers awaiting eternal glory, let us walk the humble road of casting all our cares upon God. Trust Him to protect and provide for you, because He cares for you. Rest in the assurance that He is faithful to His promises and able to bear every burden we entrust to Him.
To hear the full audio of this article, visit How to Live as Pilgrim Sufferers
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